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Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life. It is an exciting and overwhelming time. However, pregnancy also results in distress and pains that you could never imagine. At least, you are free from those cramps because you stopped having your period for nine months, right?
Wrong. Welcome to pregnancy and all the little aches, pains, and don’t forget, leg cramps, back, and abdominal area, that comes with it. Including after sexual intercourse. Keep on reading to know more about cramps after sex during pregnancy.
Is Cramping After Sex While Pregnant Normal?
Absolutely yes! Usually, it’s what one would expect. There are times when you may experience cramps after sex in your groin and abdomen along with a little extra blood flow or spotting. These symptoms should not be remotely embarrassing or be a reason to worry or give up on sex. However, for reassurance, you could consult your healthcare provider.
What Causes Cramping After Having Sex During Pregnancy?
Here are some possible causes for cramping after having sex during pregnancy:
During or after orgasm, you could experience painful twinges or cramping that may feel almost like contractions. They are normal for low-risk pregnancies. It is most likely caused by an increased flow of blood to your abdominal area, as well as natural changes that make your cervix extra sensitive.
If you are undergoing implantation, you could feel period-like cramps around conception.
Cramps after sex during pregnancy are rarely a sign of labor contractions, especially if they are accompanied by severe blood flow. This could be an indicator of something more serious, which includes miscarriage, early labor, or ectopic pregnancy. Call your healthcare provider right away!
If your post-sex cramps come with symptoms like headache or severe dizziness, you should let your healthcare provider know to rule out preeclampsia.
What Can You Do About Cramps After Sex During Pregnancy?
Your body sends a rush of blood to your uterus after an orgasm. This can result in those uncomfortably painful cramps in your groin area. You shouldn’t force yourself to push through them. Ideally, until the discomfort passes, you need to give yourself a chance to recover with a little rest and recuperation. Taking a warm or nap can bring relief to some women.
However, if the cramps and contractions don’t go away and keep getting worse, you need to check in with your doctor right away, to make sure your symptoms aren’t a sign of something serious.
Is There Anything You Can Do To Prevent Pain After Sex While Pregnant?
Seeing that orgasm leads to cramping and contractions because they are too much to bear, you could just skip the main event. You might find that the foreplay without the climax is just as much fun. Especially, if afterward, it doesn’t leave you in recovery mode.
Are Cramping Or Contractions Post-Sex More Common In Early Or Late Pregnancy?
At any time during your pregnancy, you can experience cramping and contractions after sex. However, in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, they tend to feel even more uncomfortable as their uterus expands.
If you have some mild cramping after sex while pregnant it can be associated with implantation, which is the fertilized egg attaching to the wall of your uterus. On the other hand, if you have severe cramping on one side along with dizziness and vaginal bleeding, it could indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
During the first half of pregnancy, if you experience cramping with heavy bleeding, backache, and pelvic pressure that almost feels like the baby pressing down, this could potentially be a sign of miscarriage. During the 2nd and third trimesters, cramping after sex will become much more painful because your uterus is swollen and puts more pressure on your abdominal bones, muscles, and ligaments.
Another symptom termed round ligament pain starts in the 14th week of pregnancy that gets more and more severe as your pregnancy progresses. It gives you cramps with pain in your lower belly.
During the third trimester, your body prepares you for birth with Braxton Hicks contractions, which can make cramps after sex a double whammy.
No matter what, make sure to consult your healthcare provider to know if your cramps are occurring with more troubling symptoms. Moreover, you don’t have to give up on sex quite yet. Even if you’re not physically up for orgasm, you could always go for some good old-fashion cuddling and romance because they are more important than ever now.
Can Cramps After Having Sex During Pregnancy Induce Labor?
As you are approaching your due date, cramps and contractions will become stronger and there’s no avoiding that fact. Your body and mind are likely prepping for the big event, while your uterus is being stretched to the max, and your ligaments and bones are moving away to make room for your baby to take birth.
Also, with your doctor’s permission, you can still enjoy sex. It’s unlikely that having an orgasm will induce labor, yet you might want to dial back a little. Seeing that so many physical changes are causing discomfort in your groin.
Keep in mind that after sex or orgasm, cramps and mild contractions are usually nothing to be concerned about and they are not a reason to stop having sex. However, for peace of mind, talk to your healthcare provider about it. You can get the reassurance that you need.
When To Call A Doctor About Cramping After Sex While Pregnant?
Experiencing cramps after sex is fairly normal during all stages of pregnancy, even if you never felt cramps after sex before. However, sometimes they could indicate something is wrong, so consult your doctor right away if you experience cramps combined with any of these other symptoms:
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Fever or chills
- Heavy spotting or bleeding, especially if your bleeding doesn’t lessen
- Painful headaches
- Pain or burning during urination
- Vision changes
Having more than 4 contractions in under 1 hour and painful cramps could be the signs of labor.
Is Sex During Pregnancy Safe?
The Canadian Medical Association Journal’s researcher has reviewed various issues surrounding sex in pregnancy. In their published article, they concluded that having sex is a safe activity if you have a low-risk pregnancy. So, consult your healthcare provider if you have the following:
- Risk of preterm labor
- Placenta previa
- Any other pregnancy complications
Practicing abstinence might not help your condition, however, to avoid any complications pelvic rest is usually recommended as a precaution. Are you still worried about the baby? Put your mind at ease because your little one is nestled safely in the amniotic sac while being cushioned by your strong uterine muscles. Also, your mucus plug and cervix provide an additional barrier of protection.
What Sexual Activities Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, most sex is safe, some studies have outlined a few activities that you should avoid:
- During oral sex, let your partner know not to blow air into your vagina because doing this could potentially cause an air embolism that could be fatal to you and your baby.
- Also, if you’re having sexual intercourse with someone whose sexual history you’re doubtful about, remember to practice safe sex. Avoid contracting any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) because certain STIs could affect your baby.
- Finally, avoid anal sex unless you have permission from your healthcare provider.
Also, be mindful that certain positions that worked for you before pregnancy might no longer be comfortable. These certain positions could even be unsafe during the later months of your pregnancy. After the fourth month, refrain from lying flat on your back, as it puts pressure on major blood vessels.
During the first and second trimesters, try staying on your hands and knees to reduce pressure on your belly. With your progressing pregnancy, go for spooning positions to stay comfortable.
A Final Word on Cramping After Sex While Pregnant
You have to keep in mind that being pregnant doesn’t mean that your sex life should end for nine months. This could be the beginning of a whole new world of pleasure and connection. Remember to discuss your feelings with your partner and try paying attention to how your body responds. Above all, enjoy and cherish your time together.
